An infant with a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection detected only by anal swabs: a case report

ABSTRACT Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China and has spread rapidly worldwide. We present a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection in a baby with non-productive cough and normal chest computed tomography, in whom only anal swabs tested positive by real-time PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2. She was given atomization inhalation therapy with recombinant human interferon alfa-1b for 10 days. Her anal swabs remained positive for eight days, whereas her throat swabs were persistently negative by real-time PCR testing. Mild and asymptomatic cases, especially in children, might present with PCR negative pharyngeal/nasal swabs and PCR positive anal swabs. Those patients are potential sources of infection via fecal-oral transmission for COVID-19.

High-risk human papillomavirus infection and associated factors in the anal canal of HIV-positive patients in Medellín, 2017-2018 / Infección por el virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo y factores asociados en canal anal de pacientes con VIH en Medellín, 2017-2018

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) anal infection and associated factors in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients in Medellín. METHODS Descriptive cross-sectional study in 300 HIV-positive patients, adults, with history of anal intercourse, treated in two health care services of Medellín 2017-2018. We conducted a structured survey on sociodemographics, sexual behavior and medical history. HPV was detected in anal swabs tested by the COBAS 4800 system. Exploratory data analysis of risk factors associated with HR-HPV was conducted by chi-square test of independence and both raw and adjusted prevalence ratios used the Poisson regression model, at a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS The high-risk HPV had a prevalence of 82.7%; HPV16 had a prevalence of 32.7%, HPV18 a prevalence of 21.7% and other HPV types scored 78.3%. The high-risk HPV prevalence in women was of 68.2% and 83.8% in men. The risk factors associated with high-risk HPV after adjustment were age under 30 years, elementary education, casual sex partners, and first sexual activity before 18 years old. CONCLUSIONS The high incidence of high-risk HPV, along with the occurrence of coinfections by multiple types in the study population shows their susceptibility to develop some type of anal intra-epithelial neoplasia. It is important to establish sexual health programs focused on primary health care.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Estimar la prevalencia de la infección anal por el virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo y factores asociados en pacientes con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) de Medellín. MÉTODOS Estudio descriptivo transversal en 300 pacientes VIH positivos, adultos, con historia de relaciones sexuales anales, atendidos en dos instituciones de salud de Medellín 2017-2018. Se aplicó una encuesta estructurada sobre características socio-demográficas, comportamiento sexual y antecedentes clínicos. El VPH se detectó en muestras de exfoliado anal mediante la prueba COBAS 4800. Se realizó análisis exploratorio de factores de riesgo asociados al VPH-AR mediante la prueba Chi cuadrado de independencia y razones de prevalencia cruda y ajustadas por regresión de Poisson, con intervalos del 95%.de confianza. RESULTADOS La prevalencia global de VPHAR fue 82,7%; VPH 16 de 32,7%, VPH 18 de 21,7% y otros tipos 78,3%. La prevalencia de VPHAR en mujeres fue de 68,2% y en hombres, 83,8%. Los factores de riesgo asociados al VPH-AR luego del ajuste fueron tener menos de 30 años, algún grado de educación básica primaria, pareja ocasional e inicio de relaciones sexuales antes de 18 años. CONCLUSIONES La alta frecuencia de infección por VPHAR, así como la existencia de co-infecciones por múltiples tipos en la población de estudio muestra la susceptibilidad que tienen para desarrollar algún grado de Neoplasia Intraepitelial Anal. Es importante establecer programas de promoción de la salud sexual con enfoque de atención primaria.

¿Permiten la citología, el genotipado y la anoscopia de alta resolución establecer un protocolo para la detección precoz del carcinoma epidermoide de canal anal en población de riesgo? / Do cytology, genotyping, and high resolution anoscopy allow to establish a protocol for early detection of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal in risk population?

Introducción: El cáncer anal ha experimentado un aumento de incidencia en los últimos años. Está mediado por el VPH y precedido de cambios precancerosos planteando la posibilidad de dirigir los esfuerzos preventivos hacia los grupos de alto riesgo. Sigue siendo controvertida la indicación de cribado y los métodos de detección ideales. Objetivo: Validar las pruebas de cribado implementadas en la actualidad comparadas con la biopsia como "gold standard". Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal con recogida de datos prospectiva, en una cohorte de hombres VIH+ que tienen sexo con hombres, pertenecientes al Hospital Gregorio Marañón e Infanta Leonor en un periodo de 2 años. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 179 pacientes con 286 visitas a la consulta de screening en las que se llevaron a cabo 3 pruebas de cribado en paralelo (citología anal, genotipado del VPH y anoscopia de alta resolución (AAR) con toma de biopsia dirigida sobre zona sospechosa o aleatoria). La sensibilidad y especificidad para la detección de displasia de alto grado y cáncer y su grado de concordancia con la biopsia fue la siguiente: citología 3,23%/94,43% (k: 0,03), genotipado de VPH de alto riesgo 90,32%/27,45% (k: 0,05), AAR 32,26%/87,45 (k: 0, 17) siendo el rendimiento diagnóstico de las tres pruebas muy bajo. Conclusión: La citología presenta un rendimiento diagnóstico muy bajo comparado con el genotipado que representa el mayor. A la luz de nuestros resultados, los protocolos clínicos tal y como vienen desarrollándose en la actualidad deberían de ser abandonados.

Introduction: The incidence of anal cancer has increased in recent years. It is mediated by HPV and preceded by precancerous changes, raising the possibility of directing preventive efforts towards high-risk groups. The indication of screening remains controversial and which methods would be the ideal ones. Objective: To validate the screening tests established actually, comparing it with the biopsy considered as the "gold standard". Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, with prospective data collection in a cohort of VIH+ patients, who have male homosexual anal relations, belonging to Gregorio Marañón and Infanta Leonor Hospitals in a period of 2 years. Results: A total of 179 patients were selected with 286 visits to the screening Outpatient Clinic in which 3 parallel screening tests were performed (anal cytology, HPV genotyping and high resolution anoscopy (AAR) with a biopsy directed on a suspicious or random area). The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of high-grade dysplasia and cancer and their degree of agreement with the biopsy was as follows: cytology 3.23%/94.43% (k: 0.03), high HPV genotyping. risk 90.32%/27.45% (k: 0.05), AAR 32.26%/87.45 (k: 0, 17), the diagnostic accuracy of the three tests being very low. Conclusion: Cytology shows a very low diagnostic accuracy compared to the genotype that represents the highest one. In light of our results, clinical protocols as they are currently being developed should be abandoned.

Argon plasma versus electrofulguration in the treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata in patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus

Abstract Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of anal and perianal condylomata treatment using argon plasma and electrofulguration. Methods: From January 2013 to April 2014, 37 patients with anal and perianal condylomata, who had been diagnosed through proctological examination, oncotic cytology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histology, underwent treatment with argon plasma and electrofulguration. The perianal and anal regions were divided into two semicircles. Each semicircle was treated using one of the methods by means of simple randomization. Therapeutic sessions were repeated until all clinical signs of infection by HPV were eliminated. The patients were evaluated according to several variables like the genotype of HPV, HIV infection, oncological potential per genotype, oncotic cytology and histology. Results: Among all the variables studied, only immunosuppression due to HIV influenced the results, specifically when the fulguration method was used. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between argon and fulguration based on lesion relapse (p > 0.05). However, among HIV-positive patients, fulguration presented worse results, with a significant difference (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Regarding treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata, comparison between applying fulguration and argon demonstrated that these methods were equivalent, but use of fulguration presented more relapses among HIV-positive patients.

Local control of human papillomavirus infection after anal condylomata acuminata eradication / Controle local da infecção perianal pelo papilomavirus humano após a erradicação dos condilomas acuminados

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the eradication of anal condylomata acuminata was effective for local control of HPV infection using anal colposcopy and anal brush cytology. METHODS: We evaluated 147 patients treated for anal margin and/or anal canal condyloma, with 108 HIV-positive and 39 HIV-negative individuals. The average age for males was 40 years for HIV-positive and 27.5 for HIV-negative. In females, the mean age was 37.5 years for HIV-positive and 31.5 for HIV-negative. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (16.3%) had normal cytology and anal colposcopy, 16 (10.9%) normal cytology and altered anal colposcopy, 52 (35.4%) normal anal colposcopy and altered cytology, and 55 (37.4%) had altered cytology and anal colposcopy. CONCLUSION: the eradication of clinical lesions failed to locally control HPV infection. .

OBJETIVO: verificar se a erradicação dos condilomas acuminados perianais foi efetiva no controle local da infecção pelo HPV, utilizando a colposcopia anal e a citologia anal com escova. MÉTODOS: avaliamos 147 pacientes tratados de condiloma da margem e/ou canal anal, sendo 108 HIV-positivos e 39 HIV-negativos. A média etária no sexo masculino foi 40 anos para os HIV-positivos e 27,5 anos para os HIV-negativos. No sexo feminino, a média etária foi 37,5 anos para os HIV positivos e 31,5 anos HIV-negativos. RESULTADOS: vinte e quatro pacientes (16,3%) apresentavam citologia e colposcopia normais, 16 (10,9%) citologia normal e colposcopia alterada, 52 (35,4%) citologia alterada e colposcopia normal e 55 (37,4%) citologia e colposcopia alteradas. CONCLUSÃO: a erradicação das lesões clínicas não controlou localmente a infecção pelo HPV. .

Morphometric analysis of dendritic cells from anal mucosa of HIV-positive patients and the relation to intraepithelial lesions and cancer seen at a tertiary health institution in Brazil / Análise morfométrica das células dendríticas da mucosa anal de pacientes HIV-positivos e relação com as lesões intraepiteliais e o câncer numa instituição de saúde terciária no Brasil

PURPOSE: To morphometrically quantify CD1a+ dentritic cells and DC-SIGN+ dendritic cells in HIV-positive patients with anal squamous intraepithelial neoplasia and to evaluate the effects of HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy and HPV infection on epithelial and subepithelial dendritic cells. METHODS: A prospective study was performed to morphometrically analyze the relative volume of the dendritic cells and the relationship between anal intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer in HIV-positive patients from the Tropical Medicine Foundation of Amazonas, Brazil. All patients were submitted to biopsies of anorectal mucosa to perform a classic histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, employing antibodies against CD1a and DC-SIGN for the morphometric quantification of dendritic cells. RESULTS: HIV-negative patients displayed a CD1a DC density significantly higher than that of HIV-positives patients (3.75 versus 2.54) (p=0.018), and in patients with severe anal intraepithelial neoplasia had correlated between DC CD1a density with levels of CD4 + cells (p: 0.04) as well as the viral load of HIV-1 (p: 0.035). A not significant rise in the median density of CD1a+ DC was observed in the HIV positive/ HAART positive subgroup compared to the HIV positive/ HAART negative subgroup. The CD1a+ DC were also significantly increased in HIV-negative patients with anorectal condyloma (2.33 to 3.53; p=0.05), with an opposite effect in HIV-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support an enhancement of the synergistic action caused by HIV-HPV co-infection on the anal epithelium, weakening the DC for its major role in immune surveillance. Notoriously in patients with severe anal intraepithelial neoplasia, the density of CD1a+ epithelial dendritic cells was influenced by the viral load of HIV-1. Our study describes for the first time the density of subepithelial DC-SIGN+ dendritic cells in patients with anal severe anal intraepithelial neoplasia and points to the possibility that a specific therapy for HIV induces the recovery of the density of epithelial DC.

OBJETIVO: Quantificar morfometricamente as células dendríticas DC CD1a+ e DC DC-SIGN+ em pacientes HIV positivos portadores de neoplasia escamosa intraepitelial anal e avaliar os efeitos da infecção pelo HIV, da terapia antirretroviral e da infecção pelo HPV sobre as células dendríticas epiteliais e subepiteliais. MÉTODOS: Um estudo prospectivo foi realizado para analisar morfometricamente o volume relativo das células dendríticas e as relações entre neoplasia intraepitelial anal e o câncer em pacientes HIV positivos da Fundação de Medicina Tropical do Amazonas, Brasil.Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a biópsia da mucosa retal para realizar uma análise clássica histopatológica e imunohistoquímica utilizando anticorpos contra anti-CD1a e anti-DC-SIGN, para a quantificação morfométrica das células dendríticas. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes HIV negativos apresentaram densidade das DC CD1a+ significativamente maior do que a dos pacientes HIV positivos (3,75 versus 2,54) (p:0,018), e os pacientes com severa apresentaram correlação das DC CD1a com os níveis de células TCD4(p:0,04) assim como a carga viral do HIV-1 (p:0,035). Observamos no subgrupo HIV-positivo/HAART positivo elevação não significativa na mediana da densidade das DC CD1a+ em relação ao grupo HIV-positivo/HAART negativo. As DC CD1a+ também se elevaram nos pacientes HIV negativo portadores de condiloma anorretal(2,33 para 3,53; p:0,05), com efeito inverso nos pacientes HIV positivos. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos dados confirmam a potencialização da ação sinérgica representada pela coinfecção HIV-HPV sobre o epitélio anal, fragilizando as DC em sua função primordial de vigilância imune. Notoriamente nos pacientes com neoplasia intraepithelial anal grave, a densidade das DC CD1a+ epiteliais sofreu influência da carga viral do HIV-1. Nosso estudo descreveu pela primeira vez a densidade das DC subepiteliais DC-SIGN+ em pacientes com neoplasia intraepithelial anal severa e apontamos para a possibilidade de que a terapia específica para o HIV induza a recuperação da densidade das DC epiteliais.

Herpes hipertrófico perianal tratado eficazmente com imiquimod / Hypertrophic perianal herpes successfully treated with imiquimod

A infecção pelo vírus herpes simples tipo 2 (HSV-2) é frequente em pacientes infetados pelo vírus de imunodeficiência adquirida (VIH). Nestes casos, o herpes genital pode ter uma apresentação clínica atípica. As variantes hipertróficas e vegetantes são pouco habituais. Os autores relatam um caso de herpes hipertrófico perianal em paciente infetada pelo VIH, com resposta insatisfatória ao aciclovir e valaciclovir, tratado eficazmente com imiquimod tópico. O herpes genital hipertrófico é, frequentemente, refratário aos tratamentos antivirais. Na nossa experiência, o imiquimod é um tratamento eficaz, seguro e bem tolerado que deverá ser considerado na abordagem terapêutica destes pacientes.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections are frequent in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected patients. In those cases, genital herpes may have an atypical clinical presentation. Hypertrophic and vegetating variants are unusual. The authors describe a case of hypertrophic perianal herpes in an HIV patient with unsatisfactory response to acyclovir and valacyclovir, successfully treated with imiquimod. Hypertrophic genital herpes cases are frequently refractory to antiviral treatments. In our experience, imiquimod is an efficient, safe and well tolerated treatment that should be considered in therapeutic approach of these patients.

Quanto a escova deve ser introduzida no canal anal para avaliação citológica mais eficaz? / How deep must the brush be introduced in the anal canal for a more effective cytological evaluation?

OBJETIVO: A sensibilidade da citologia anal varia amplamente na literatura, entre 45 por cento e 98 por cento, o que pode ocorrer devido à falta de padronização quanto à distância que a escova deve ser introduzida no canal anal. Desta forma, nosso objetivo foi investigar se o local de coleta influencia no resultado desse exame. MÉTODOS: Colhemos amostras com escova introduzida 4 cm no canal anal de 114 doentes (Grupo A) e 2 cm em outros 94 pacientes (Grupo B), antes do exame proctológico. Realizamos cinco rotações com a escova antes de retirá-la e a esfregar sobre lâmina de vidro, posteriormente submetida ao exame citopatológico padrão. Todos os doentes são HIV-positivo. Submetemos os resultados à avaliação estatística. RESULTADOS: No Grupo A, 39 doentes possuíam condilomas no canal anal e a citologia foi positiva em 29 deles (74,3 por cento). Também observamos alterações citológicas em 30 de 75 doentes (40 por cento) sem lesões clínicas no canal anal. No Grupo B, havia 54 doentes com condilomas no canal anal e em 13 (24,1 por cento) houve confirmação citológica. Em 40 outros, sem lesões clínicas pelo HPV, notamos que em nove (22,5 por cento) havia anormalidades citológicas. Os testes estatísticos revelaram que os exames realizados nos doentes do Grupo A foram mais eficientes. CONCLUSÃO: Os espécimes coletados com escovas inseridas mais profundamente no canal anal melhoraram a eficácia do exame.

OBJECTIVE: In literature, sensitivity of Pap smears ranges widely from 45 to 98 percent. Possibly this is because there is no standard for how far the brush should be introduced into the anal canal. The aim was to evaluate whether the sampling site has an influence on the results of anal Pap smears. Design and setting. This is a non-randomized, non-blinded, retrospective review carried out in the Proctology and Pathology Sectors, Emilio Ribas Infectious Diseases Institute. METHOD: We obtained specimens with brushes introduced 4 cm into the anal canal in 114 patients (Group A) and 2 cm in 94 patients (Group B), before anorectal examination. These brushes were rotated five or six times before being withdrawn and rubbed on a slide that underwent Pap testing using standard cytopathology laboratory equipment. All patients were HIV-infected. Statistical tests were used. RESULTS: In Group A, 39 patients had anal canal condylomas and the cytology was positive in 29 of them (74.3 percent). We also observed cytological alterations in 30 of 75 patients (40 percent) without clinical lesions in the anal canal. In Group B, there were 54 patients with condylomas and 13 of them (24.1 percent) were confirmed by cytology. In 40 patients with no clinical lesions, we observed that nine (22.5 percent) had cytological abnormalities Statistical analysis revealed that examination in Group A was more efficient. CONCLUSION. Specimens collected by inserting the brush deeper into the anal canal improved the efficiency of anal Pap smears.

Perianal squamous cell carcinoma with high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia in an HIV-positive patient using highly active antiretroviral therapy: case report

CONTEXT: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has turned human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection into a chronic condition, and this has led to increased incidence of anal dysplasia among HIV-positive patients. Routine anal evaluation including the anal canal and perianal area is recommended for this population, especially for patients infected by oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types. CASE REPORT: A 54-year-old homosexual HIV-positive man presented with a six-year history of recurrent perianal and anal warts. He had previously undergone incomplete surgical excision and fulguration in another institution on two occasions. He had been using HAART over the past two years. He presented some condylomatous spreading lesions occupying part of the anal canal and the perianal skin, and also a well-demarcated slightly painful perianal plaque of dimensions 1.0 x 1.0 cm. Both anal canal Pap smears and biopsies guided by high-resolution anoscopy revealed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Biopsies of the border of the perianal plaque also revealed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. HPV DNA testing of the anus detected the presence of HPV-16 type. The patient underwent local full-thickness excision of the lesion. Histological analysis on the excised tissue revealed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion with one focus of microinvasive squamous cell cancer measuring 1 mm. No lymph vessel or perineural invasion was detected. The patient showed pathological evidence of recurrent anal and perianal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions at the sixth-month follow-up and required further ablation of those lesions. However no invasive squamous cell carcinoma recurrence has been detected so far.

CONTEXTO: A terapia anti-retroviral altamente ativa tornou a infecção pelo HIV uma condição crônica, levando a um aumento na incidência de pacientes HIV-positivos com displasia anal. A avaliação anal rotineira incluindo a região anal e perianal é recomendada nessa população, especialmente nos doentes infectados por tipos oncogênicos do HPV. RELATO DE CASO: Um homem homossexual HIV-positivo de 54 anos foi encaminhado para avaliação de condilomas anais e perianais recorrentes há seis anos. Referia duas ressecções cirúrgicas incompletas em outro serviço. Encontrava-se em uso de medicação anti-retroviral altamente ativa há dois anos. Ao exame proctológico, apresentava algumas lesões condilomatosas no canal anal e na região perianal, assim como uma placa bem delimitada de 1,0 por 1,0 cm levemente dolorosa na região perianal. Ambos esfregaço do canal anal e biópsia guiada por anoscopia de alta resolução revelaram lesão escamosa intraepitelial de alto grau. Uma biópsia da borda da placa perianal também diagnosticou lesão escamosa intraepitelial de alto grau. A pesquisa de DNA de HPV do canal anal detectou a presença do HPV tipo 16. O paciente foi submetido à excisão local profunda da lesão. O estudo anatomopatológico revelou lesão escamosa intra-epitelial de alto grau com um foco de 1 mm de carcinoma epidermóide microinvasivo, sem invasão perineural ou linfo-vascular. O paciente apresentou recorrência de lesão escamosa intra-epitelial de alto grau no canal anal e na região perianal confirmadas por biópsias no sexto mês pós-operatório, necessitando ablação. Entretanto, até o momento não apresentou recorrência do carcinoma epidermóide invasivo.